City to honour this year’s ordinary heroes

WELLINGTONIANS have yet to see a Dark Knight or friendly neighbourhood Spiderman, but we have plenty of our own heroes, according to Wellington City Council.

The council is calling for nominations of “safety heroes” for its eighth annual Safety in the City awards which recognise local people who have helped protect their communities.

“It’s a good chance for some unsung heroes to get some recognition,” says city safety advisor Emma Titcombe.

“So far, we’ve had eight nominations. We also keep an eye out [for safety heroes] through the year.”

The awards are a partnership between the council and the New Zealand Police and recognise both year-round community works to improve safety, and individual acts of bravery. Seventeen people were commended last year.

“There were groups who worked every day to make Wellington safer, and there were some people who stopped to help others and saved lives, both of which are just as heroic as each other,” says Ms Titcombe.